"We have to play clean baseball" - Aaron Boone issues rally cry as baserunning blunder costs Yankees game against Red Sox 

The New York Yankees are amidst their worst stretch of the season and it got worse on Friday. The team's loss on Friday against fierce rivals the Boston Red Sox in the series opener has come under scrutiny after glaring mistakes in crucial moments of the game.

The series opener between the Yankees and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium wasn't a spectacle by any means, as both teams committed errors throughout the contest. However, it was the Yankees who were on the receiving end of some glaring lack of awareness from their players.

DJ LeMahieu's lack of hustle in the third inning when the Yankees infielder seemingly gave up expecting the Red Sox to complete a double play raised a few eyebrows.

However, it got worse when Yankees rookie Ben Rice hit a ground ball to first baseman Romy Gonzalez, but Anthony Volpe, who was on third base and had a scoring opportunity, failed to cross the plate in time:

While fans have been frustrated with the team's offensive struggles of late, the lackluster baserunning isn't helping the team's cause. Yankees manager Aaron Boone urged to team to get their act together after a disappointing loss on Friday:

"We have to play clean baseball, especially when it’s hard," Boone said.

Yankees squander lead after late home runs by Red Sox

Despite the team's sloppy play between the bases, the Bronx Bombers led the game 3-1 heading into the ninth inning. But that's when the game turned in the favor of the visiting team.

The Yankees were just one strike away from clinching the series opener before Masataka Yoshida ended his rut. Yoshida, who went 75 at-bats without a home run, got hold of Clay Holmes' sinker for a two-run homer to tie the game:

“Situation-wise, and the stadium, here at Yankee Stadium, I think that’s one of the biggest highlights of my career with the Red Sox,” Yoshida said.

The Red Sox's possession of a Wild Card spot got firmer when rookie Ceddanne Rafaela struck a go-ahead two-run homer in the 10th inning:

“It's always special to come here and win games,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We know where we’re at in the standings, and like I said last week, let's not settle. Let’s keep pushing and see where it takes us.“

Boston's reliever Kenley Jansen recorded to save to seal the victory for the visiting team. While Cora's team has the advantage heading into the second game, they will be up against reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole on Saturday.